Webinar
Rolling Out Pressing Matters: ACA Educational Webinar Series
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we hear after CiderCon® is that the learning shouldn’t stop when the conference ends. While the annual gathering remains a cornerstone of our community, we know many cider professionals are looking for more opportunities to stay connected, ask questions, and keep building their knowledge throughout the year.
Starting this April, the American Cider Association is launching a new monthly webinar series designed to bring practical education to cider makers and industry professionals year-round.
Held on the Second Thursday of each month at 11:00AM PT/2:00PM ET, these live sessions will feature expert speakers, practical topics, and opportunities for Q&A. Each webinar will also be recorded and archived, creating a growing library of resources that members can access anytime.
For ACA members, the webinars will be available for $5 per session, while non-members can participate for $20. This also gives unlimited access to the recorded material in perpetuity.
Because the TTB could not join us in Providence this year, our webinar series will kick off with a FREE two-part program focusing on regulatory essentials for cider producers and including much of the content the team would have brought to CiderCon®. *Due to the evolving nature of regulatory guidance, these webinars will not be recorded.
April 9th, 2026
TTB Bootcamp Part 1: Labeling and Formulas
A practical guide to navigating TTB requirements for cider labels and formulas, including when formulas are required, common approval pitfalls, and tips to help producers move through the process more smoothly.
May 14th, 2026
TTB Bootcamp Part 2: Operations Reporting and Taxes
This session will cover key compliance responsibilities for cider producers, including operational reporting, excise tax obligations, and how to stay organized with federal requirements throughout the year.
These first sessions will set the stage for a broader series of monthly programs covering topics across production, orchard management, sales, marketing, policy, and emerging trends in the cider market.
By expanding educational programming beyond the annual conference, the ACA aims to make industry expertise more accessible—especially for members who may not be able to travel to CiderCon® but still want to stay connected to the latest conversations shaping cider.
Registration for the April and May sessions is now OPEN. Register with the links above. This series is designed to grow with the industry. ACA members are invited to suggest topics they’d like to see explored in future sessions. Please email jenn@ciderassociation.org if you would like to submit webinar topic suggestions.
September 11: From Orchard to Label: Cider Compliance Essentials
This webinar will walk through the most common compliance issues cider producers face when they have a TTB investigation. We will discuss key TTB compliance issues such as carbonation and alcohol thresholds, proper labeling and flavor designations, formula approval, when a COLA is required, and common tax class errors. We’ll also touch on record keeping, standard of fill updates, and what cidermakers need to know when making cider. Overall, this session provides practical insights to help you stay on the right side of TTB rules and regulations.
About Our Speaker:
Aniko Kasprian is the Industry Education Technical Advisor in the Office of Outreach at TTB. Previously, Ms. Kasprian was part of the Office of Special Operations group, where she worked as a Special Operations Investigator for 4 years working on FAA Trade Practice cases. Ms. Kasprian was also an investigator for the Western II District for 6 years, primarily focusing on wine and tobacco. Before joining TTB, Aniko served in the United States Air Force and was a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Kasprian’s primary area of expertise is in the alcohol industry. Ms. Kasprian has a BA in International Relations and Foreign Policy and an MS in Criminology with a focus on Forensic Profiling.
June 10: Charting the Course: Key Cider Club Trends Uncovered by Vinoshipper
The ACA and Vinoshipper invite you to join us for a coffee chat style webinar on Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM as Terra Jane Albee from Vinoshipper presents on the ins and outs of incorporating a club program to your business model. A cider club can offer many benefits, including predictable revenue streams, reduced marketing costs, and enhanced customer loyalty. Pulling from the Vinoshipper informational database, Terra Jane will walk you through the trends that have emerged over the last several years from cideries that have built in cider club programs.
This webinar is exclusive to ACA members! Not a member? Click here to join now!
January 30: The Future of Hard Cider: Innovation and Market Trends for the Top Producers
Description:
Join us for an ACA member exclusive webinar hosted by 3-Tier Beverages in partnership with the American Cider Association. This event will take a deep dive into the performance of the top hard cider producers over the past year, providing key insights into how leading cider brands have navigated the ever-evolving bev-alc market and what strategies they’ve employed to achieve growth and success.
What to Expect:
- Market Performance Analysis: Get an in-depth analysis of year-over-year sales trends, market share, and overall growth of the top hard cider producers.
- Key Industry Trends: Discover emerging trends and consumer preferences that have shaped the hard cider market, and the strategies top producers have implemented to stay ahead.
- Challenges and Opportunities: Understand the challenges faced by the industry and its ever shifting consumer demands. Learn how the leading brands have turned these challenges into opportunities.
- Innovation in Hard Cider: Explore how innovation, both in product types and methods of marketing, is driving the success of top cider makers. Learn about the latest cider varieties, and flavor innovations.
August 22: Crafting Compelling Stories: The Role of Data in Your Brand’s Narrative
Join us August 22 at 11:00 AM Pacific for an insightful webinar hosted by the American Cider Association in partnership with 3-Tier Beverages, where we’ll explore how to transform raw data into compelling narratives that captivate your audience and elevate your cider brand.
In this session, you’ll learn:
- The Essentials of Data Storytelling: Discover the fundamentals of turning data into engaging stories that resonate with your customers and how you can differentiate your cider in a competitive market.
- Effective Data Analysis Techniques: Gain practical insights into analyzing and interpreting data from the ACA Member Dashboard to uncover meaningful trends and patterns that can inform your storytelling.
- Crafting Your Brand Narrative: Learn strategies for integrating data insights into your brand story to highlight your cider’s unique attributes and characteristics to connect with your target audience on a deeper level.
Whether you’re established or just starting out, this webinar will provide you with the tools and techniques needed to utilize the full potential of your data to tell the best story for You and Your Brand.
Speakers
Julia Lechleiter
Julia Lechleiter started out her career at 84.51 on their Insights team where she supported emerging CPG brands in leveraging Kroger household data to guide customer-focused assortment, promotion, innovation and digital strategies. After supporting clients on numerous new item presentations and being exposed to the power of BASES innovation research, she joined NIQ on the BASES BevAl team. While she learned to love the BevAl industry, she missed working in a data platform to support clients run various analyses, specifically those related to retailer relations which led her to 3 Tier. Julia graduated from Miami University with a degree in Marketing, and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have a 1-year old son, John, and two cocker spaniels, Bailey and Phil.
Devon Hevener
Devon Hevener started out his career working in the culinary industry as the general manager for 5 years where he used data to better understand trends in the area to help the business grow from a single food cart to several carts and a brick and mortar. Most recently, he has spent the last year working with the American Cider Association as a Consumer and Market Data Research Intern where he was able to learn the industry firsthand through the mentorship of industry experts and various ad-hoc projects which helped connect him to 3-Tier. One of his most significant projects was the creation of a formal database of all cider producers within the United States. Devon graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Business Technology & Analytics and currently lives in the Portland, Oregon area with his wife Hannah.
July 8: The Sweet Spot: Choosing Equipment That’s Not Too Big, Not Too Small, but “Just Right”
ACA Member Exclusive Webinar, July 8 – 11:00 AM Pacific
Join us for an in-depth look into the science of selecting the perfect cider-making equipment in our upcoming Coffee Chat with Juicing Systems. In this session, we’ll look into the critical factors that can propel your cider-making operation to new growth. From understanding your current operational status and pinpointing bottlenecks to planning for future growth and comparing equipment options, we’ll cover it all. Learn how the right equipment can save time, reduce labor costs, and significantly boost your productivity and profitability.
Whether you’re an experienced cider maker or just starting out, you’ll gain valuable insights into making informed decisions that align with your goals. Explore side-by-side comparisons of different equipment setups, discover the financial benefits of financing, and get practical advice on choosing equipment that fits your needs and budget. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge to grow your cider business efficiently and effectively.
About Our Speaker
Meet Remo Trovato, the founder behind JuicingSystems.com. Originally from Switzerland, he found his home in Canada’s Okanagan Valley with his wife, Kristen. They started MobileJuicing.com to tackle food waste in orchards, but soon realized North America needed better juicing tech.
With Remo’s savvy and connections, he introduced European machinery to North America, innovating their operation. Now, Juicing.Systems not only sells but also services and maintains equipment, thanks to the team’s deep expertise.
When he’s not juicing, Remo’s shredding mountains on his snowboard or cherishing his family’s time. But what he loves most? The relationships with his clients. To Remo, the sale is not the end of the transaction, but the beginning of their relationship.
Can’t make it to the live webinar? This webinar will be recorded and made available to ACA members in our Resource Hub.
May 30: Navigating Trends: Insights Into Wine & Spirits for Cidermakers
Join us for an exclusive webinar hosted by 3 Tier Beverages consultants Julia Lechleiter and Mary Mills, in collaboration with the American Cider Association. We will explore Wine and Spirit trends and the possible intersection with Cider.
As the BevAlc industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for Cider producers to stay informed to be able to adapt to shifting consumer preferences. In this insightful session, industry experts will explore key trends, innovations, and consumer behaviors that are shaping the Wine and Spirits landscape provided through NIQ Scan and Consumer Panel Data.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the cider industry, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.
About the Speakers:
Mary Mills
Mary Mills joined 3 Tier Beverages in 2022 from NielsenIQ, where she spent 14 years across client management, business development, and innovation insights. She has experience working with various clients in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries, with 9 years focused on alcohol specifically. She holds a Marketing degree from The Ohio State University and is an avid Buckeye fan. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Andy and two children, Luke and Ava.
Julia Lechleiter
Julia Lechleiter started out her career at 84.51 on their Insights team where she supported emerging CPG brands in leveraging Kroger household data to guide customer-focused assortment, promotion, innovation and digital strategies. After supporting clients on numerous new item presentations and being exposed to the power of BASES innovation research, she joined NIQ on the BASES BevAl team. While she learned to love the BevAl industry, she missed working in a data platform to support clients run various analyses, specifically those related to retailer relations which led her to 3 Tier. Julia graduated from Miami University with a degree in Marketing, and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have a 1-year old son, John, and two cocker spaniels, Bailey and Phil.
June 27: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Brooklyn Cider House
You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Thursday, June 27th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific!
Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Brooklyn Cider House in New York.
During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a pro and prep for your Certified Pommelier exam.
Not able to make it to the live event? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and available for you rewatch at any time with your initial purchase.
Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Ciders can be purchased from Brooklyn Cider House by clicking here. Use code “CP2024” at checkout to receive $2 off the bundle price.
Cost for the webinar is $30 for non-members and $20 for ACA members. Are you an ACA member? You can find your discount code in the Resource Hub.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.
May 13: 2024 Annual Membership Meeting
We’re thrilled to invite you to join us on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM Pacific on Zoom for our 2024 Annual Membership Meeting.
During the meeting, we’ll reflect on our accomplishments from the past year, take a close look at our new strategic plan, and discuss how we work together under the big tent of cider in the upcoming year to sustainably grow the cider industry. After the meeting, we’ll have an optional virtual cider hang for anybody wanting to network with your cider peers. Let’s lift a glass together to the great year ahead!
Please note that you must be an Active ACA Member to attend the meeting, but don’t worry if you’re not yet one, you can join or renew your membership by clicking here.
We’ll send you the Zoom link before the meeting on May 13, 2024, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox. We look forward to seeing you all virtually and celebrating the cider industry.
March 28: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Meriwether Cider
You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Thursday, March 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific Time! Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Meriwether Cider in Idaho.
During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a pro and prep for your Certified Pommelier exam. Not able to make it to the live event? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and available for you to purchase and practice at your convenience.
We recommend ordering Meriwether Cider well in advance so you have it available to practice with during the webinar. You can purchase your Meriwether Cider for the webinar here.
Cost is $30 for non-members and $20 for ACA members. Are you an ACA member? Contact Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey for your discount code.
Coffee Chat with 3 Tier Beverages
Are you curious about the latest trends in the cider industry? Join us for a members-only Coffee Chat webinar on January 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, where Mary Mills and Julia Lechleiter from 3 Tier Beverages will share insights on 2023 chainr retail cider sales and consumer behavior.
The duo will provide a comprehensive analysis of the top 100 US cideries, off-premise growth, and regional insights based on data from NielsenIQ. With their expertise in the beverage industry, Mary and Julia will identify the drivers of growth and highlight emerging trends in the cider market at the chain retail level.
But the conversation doesn’t end there! Continue the discussion with 3 Tier Beverages at CiderCon® 2024 on Thursday, January 18 at 10:30 AM. This session will be co-led with our partners at CGA, a leader in on-premise data, and 3 Tier Beverages, a BevAl focused consultancy.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain insights that can help your business thrive in the cider market. Register now for the Coffee Chat webinar and CiderCon® 2024 to stay ahead of the curve.
Additional Employee Retention Credit Eligibility & Other Tax Planning Opportunities – What Your Cidery and Accountant May Not Have Considered
Hey ACA members! Get your calculators ready and join us for an informative webinar on November 14 at 2:00 PM Pacific!
Many businesses took advantage of COVID-19 relief programs such as PPP and EIDL, but many more are still missing out on funds from the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and have not filed for all quarters in which they are eligible (up to 7 quarters). Eligible employers who paid qualified wages can claim up to $26,000 per employee in refundable tax credits. Another missed opportunity occurs when companies do not effectively utilize tax planning strategies. These strategies include the work opportunity tax credit, research and development credit, planning for long-term sustainability, bonus depreciation, and business expenses. Join Strategic Tax Planning, a licensed CPA firm for a discussion on the common tax planning techniques that could increase your business’s after tax cash flow.
Tina Azarvand
Tina joined Strategic Tax Planning and is a Tax Manager with the firm. While working as a Tax Attorney, Tina became interested in the Employee Retention Credit through the ever-evolving legislation, where she decided to shift her focus to assisting small businesses with ERC while it is available.
As a Tax Attorney, Tina focused on assisting individuals and businesses facing tax controversies with the IRS and local taxing authorities. In 2022, Tina was selected to the SuperLawyers: Rising Stars list and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list, both of which are distinctions given to less than 3% of the attorneys in each respective state. Tina was also selected as the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) Young Volunteer of the Year for 2022.
Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Alma Cider
Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 PM Pacific featuring cider from Alma Cider. This webinar will also be available to rewatch and practice as a prerecorded event. ACA Members can register for a discounted rate of $15. The discount code for members can be found here.
Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Ciders can be purchased from Press then Press.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.
Webinar: How Cideries Like Santa Cruz Cider Are Preventing Catastrophic Climate Change
There are a significant number of reasons why cideries like Santa Cruz Cider are looking to become more sustainable. Agriculture health, ingredient accessibility, customer engagement, preserving the bottom line, and protecting the planet are all driving cideries to focus on sustainability.
Join Jenny Morgan from Tradewater and Nicole Todd of Santa Cruz Cider Co. on June 6 at 10:00 AM Pacific for a discussion of the ways that Santa Cruz Cider committed themselves to sustainable action and how they came to partner with Tradewater.
We will also dive deeper into the high-impact climate projects that Tradewater leads and how each cidery can do their part to prevent catastrophic climate change.
Interested in learning how you can take action on sustainability in your cidery? Download this PDF with suggestions from Tradewater.
Our Speakers
Jenny Morgan joined Tradewater in 2022 as the Market Development Manager. In her role, she partners with organizations to help achieve carbon neutrality through sustainability consultation, emissions reduction, and the purchase of carbon credits. She operates under the belief that our most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and nonprofits alone – it requires a collective effort. She is passionate in changing the way we view business and industry to be both profitable and purposeful. Prior to joining Tradewater, Jenny has worked within the technology and hospitality sectors, and comes with 15+ years of experience in Business Operations, Market Development, Events, and Community Engagement. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family and friends hiking, running, swimming, and planning themed celebrations.
Nicole’s love for cider started with a truck bed full of ‘found’ apples in a nearby orchard. Having a passion for fermenting anything she could get her hands on, she started Santa Cruz Cider Co. in 2013 with the help of her husband and her sister. They have built the company from the ground up on a shoestring budget with a hands on approach. Nicole lives on a historic apple orchard in Santa Cruz county with her husband and two dogs.
Webinar: The Story Within the Story of Cider
You’ve heard the headlines and the general trends for Cider. Join Brian “BK” Krueger and Dave Williams from Bump Williams Consulting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM Pacific to dive in a little deeper and really take a look at the KPI’s that matter and how you can apply them to your own situation, presentations, insights, and decisions.
You can expect to hear more of the story on Cider Velocity, Runway for the Future, the Role of Flavor, Pack Size and Type, Innovation, Regional Power, and the Modern Bev Alc Consumer.
This webinar is for active ACA members only. Not a member? Join now!
Our Speakers
Brian “BK” Krueger graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1996 with a degree in Marketing – focusing on Strategic Marketing & Promotional Strategies. BK is a 24-year Industry Sales Leader with a distinguished and accomplished history of growth and development across multiple National and Regional Craft Breweries. Rising from New Belgium’s first “Texas Beer Ranger” in 1999, BK spent 17 years growing in parallel with New Belgium’s success and expansion and held the role of Assistant Director of Sales for 5+ Years. Leaving New Belgium in 2015, BK spent the next 4 years applying his knowledge, experience, and skill set to an extended selection of National and Regional Craft Breweries helping to evolve them into the modern and future world of Craft Beer. Joining Bump Williams Consulting in 2020, BK now applies his talents and expertise on Sales Systems and Structure, Portfolio Development, Distributor & Retailer Partnership, and Sales Strategy & Growth across the broad spectrum of Beverage Alcohol clients.
Dave Williams graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. Dave began his career at Marketing Management Analytics (Ipsos MMA) as a Data Analyst, running sales regression models and market level analytics across various Retail and CPG clients. He left MMA and joined Nielsen in 2010, working up to the role of Client Manager. In this role, Dave led a team dedicated to Market Mix, Price/Promo and Consumer analysis for Procter & Gamble globally, spanning multiple categories and brands across their wide portfolio. In 2015, Dave left Nielsen to join Bump Williams Consulting where he currently runs high-end analytics across the Beverage Alcohol universe. His key focus areas include Consumer Behavior, Pricing, Promotion and Retail Landscape for BWC’s Supplier, Distributor and Retailer clients.
Live Sensory Webinar with Artifact Cider Project
Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar on May 4 from 4:00-6:00 PM Pacific featuring cider from Artifact Cider Project. This webinar will also be available to rewatch and practice as a prerecorded event.
Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Order the Certified Pommelier Study Sample Pack from Artifact to participate along with the webinar here.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.
Three Upcoming ACA Webinars
The American Cider Association is pleased to share that we have several upcoming webinars in the next month and we hope you’ll join us at one or all of them. Read on to learn more about these webinars and to find links to register!
March 22 – 11:00 AM Pacific: 3 Tier Beverages Dashboard Orientation for ACA Members
3 Tier Beverages, in partnership with NielsenIQ, is proud to be the official data supplier of the American Cider Association. Part of this partnership brings ACA members quarterly dashboards with key market data and insights to help you drive your business forward. This webinar will walk ACA members through these dashboards so you can make the most of this unique offering. This webinar is for active ACA members only. Join now or renew your membership by clicking here.
March 24 – 9:30 AM Pacific: Coffee Chat with Vinoshipper: 2022 Cider Trends for Online Sales
Vinoshipper Senior Analyst Taylor Harrison will lead us through a look back at their data from 2022 and also provide a quick snap shot of what they’re seeing at the beginning of 2023 with regards to sales, packaging, and demographics! Want to check out some of the data before Taylor’s presentation? You can download it here. This webinar is open to all.
April 18 – 11:00 AM Pacific: ACA Annual Membership Meeting
The American Cider Association is pleased to invite our members to join us for the Annual Membership Meeting. We will review last year’s accomplishments, examine our strategic plan, and share what’s in the works for the year ahead. We look forward seeing all of you virtually and hearing your ideas for how we can promote the US cider industry. You must be an Active ACA Member to participate in the Annual Membership Meeting. You can join or renew your membership here.
New Benefits and Webinar with 3 Tier Beverages
The American Cider Association is dedicated to providing our members with valuable data they need to pitch retailers, investors and distributors. We are thrilled to announce an expansion of our data benefits through our new partnership with 3 Tier Beverages. The new dashboards will give the user more control over how you view the Nielsen data, offer you options for more comparisons, and provide insights on more regional markets—we’re excited to share that the dashboards will now include data for 50 markets! We’re finalizing the customization of the dashboards with 3 Tier, but they will be available to all ACA members very soon. This is just one area we are expanding our data benefits, and we hope you join the webinar to learn more about the 3 Tier custom dashboards for ACA members. Learn more about the webinar below.
3 Tier Beverages, in partnership with NielsenIQ, is proud to be the official data supplier of the American Cider Association. Part of this partnership brings ACA members quarterly dashboards with key market data and insights to help you drive your business forward. This webinar will walk ACA members through these dashboards so you can make the most of this unique offering. This webinar is for active ACA members only.
About Our Speakers
Mary Mills joined 3 Tier Beverages in 2022 from NielsenIQ, where she spent 14 years across client management, business development, and innovation insights. She has experience working with various clients in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries, with 9 years focused on alcohol specifically. She holds a Marketing degree from The Ohio State University and is an avid Buckeye fan. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Andy and two children, Luke (4 years old) and Ava (2 years old).
Joe Sepka began his career in the CPG industry a little over a decade ago with PepsiCo as a contract pricing analyst for raw ingredients. Over the next few years, he grew into a variety of data-intensive roles. In 2018 however Joe was ready for a change and made the decision to leave PepsiCo for a new role at Revolution Brewing managing the data department. This was where he discovered he had a particular passion and love for the Bev-Alc side of the CPG industry. In 2020, Joe made the decision to leave Revolution to help launch 3 Tier Beverages. Each day he leverages my passion for data to assist their clients to find new opportunities in their respective Bev-Alc spaces, and help “level the playing field” when competing for space against the big guys.
In addition to being data-obsessed, Joe enjoys hikes, playing chess, recording music, and above all spending time with his wife Rosy, son Arthur, and (sometimes) grumpy but loveable dog Albus.
March 24 Coffee Chat with Vinoshipper
Join us March 24 at 9:30am for a Coffee Chat webinar with Vinoshipper!
Vinoshipper Senior Analyst Taylor Harrison will lead us through a look back at their data from 2022 and also provide a quick snap shot of what they’re seeing at the beginning of 2023 with regards to sales, packaging, and demographics!
Want to check out some of the data before Taylor’s presentation. You can download it here.
About Our Speaker
Taylor joined the alcohol industry directly out of college as in intern with Constellation Brands. Shortly after, he was awarded the ability to play lacrosse for Team England, so he moved to England, where he began working as a fine wine market analyst for the London International Vintners Exchange (Liv-Ex). During his summers, he would take time off to do vintage work at a winery in Surrey. Taylor joined Vinoshipper, from London, in 2021 and started up the data analytics program, offering insight into the craft alcohol industry. He continues to develop the division with the goal of helping producers make the most of their data and understand what is happening in the market.
5 Actionable Strategies to Create a More Profitable Taproom Webinar
In this rapid fire session, the American Cider Association is excited to introduce you to Andrew Coplon and Kary Shumway (Taproom Success). Over just 30 minutes, you will walk away with actionable strategies you can put in place to see greater success in your taproom. Join Andrew & Kary for proven methods to build deeper relationships with guests, increase revenue, and have better financial control. Numbers can be fun! Andrew and Kary will be joined by Megan MacLean (Director of Hospitality at Artifact Cider Project) to share their success from these strategies. Get excited for this pre-CiderCon® webinar and then sign up for the half-day course at CiderCon® 2023.
Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Two Broads Ciderworks
Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar featuring cider from Two Broads Ciderworks on December 8 from 4-6pm Pacific. This will be your last chance to participate in a live sensory analysis webinar prior to the Certified Pommelier™ exam at CiderCon® 2023, so sign up now!
This webinar is also available to rewatch and practice as a prerecorded event.
Order cider to participate along with the webinar here. Please make sure the ciders can be shipped to your state before registering for this event.
Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Ploughman’s Cider
Looking to up your sensory analysis skills? Studying for the Certified Pommelier™ Exam at CiderCon® 2023? Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar featuring cider from Ploughman’s Cider on November 17 from 4-6pm Pacific. Cost to attend the workshop is $15 for ACA members and $30 for non-members.
This webinar will also be available to rewatch and practice as a prerecorded event.
Ploughman’s has generously created a limited time Sensory Analysis Bundle for this webinar. You can purchase the cider bundle here.
DtC Shipping Compliance: Get to Know the Basics Webinar
For many producers, direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping is top of mind these days, with ever-increasing consumer expectations for online ordering and shipping of just about everything — not to mention the pandemic’s continued impacts on the on-premise trade.
DtC shipping is a great channel for growth, but cider producers entering the market must account for key compliance concerns to succeed in DtC shipping while avoiding the fines and other penalties that can result from non-compliant shipping.
Please join us for a look at DtC shipping compliance essentials for cideries. Topics will include:
- The current state of shipping cider direct-to-consumer
- The rules that govern DtC shipping, from licensing requirements to tax remittances
- How cider producers can create effective and compliant DtC shipping programs
Webinar attendees will gain a basic understanding of DtC shipping laws and how to apply them to their own programs.
Our Speaker:
Alex Koral, Regulatory General Counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant Based in Boulder, Colorado, Alex is Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, where he serves as lead legal researcher for beverage alcohol regulation and has become a leading expert in DtC shipping laws and interstate distribution of alcohol. He has spoken on the topic at many industry events including meetings for the National Council of State Liquor Administrators, National Liquor Law Enforcement Association, DISCUS, ACSA and Craft Brewers Conference. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.
Nielsen 2021 Data Insights Webinar
Nielsen 2021 Data Insights Webinar – April 27, 2022 at 11:00am Pacific
Join the ACA and Nielsen for a review of 2021 Off-Premise cider trends with Nielsen. Nielsen VP Jon Berg will share sales trends by packaging, flavor, style and region. We will also look at the insights provided by our newest report with Nielsen, a comparative consumer panel study. We’ll identify cider’s strengths and areas for growth regarding consumer demographics, and we’ll compare it to wine, beer, FMBs and cocktails.
About the Speaker
You must be an active ACA member to attend this webinar. You can join or renew your membership here.
Ekos Cider Business School March 29
Our friends at Ekos are very excited to bring Cider Business School back for its third consecutive year! Join Ekos CEO Josh McKinney for an hour-long webinar exploring the state of the cider industry and providing a crash course on business management best practices. Attendees can expect to learn about:
- Technology adoption trends for cider businesses
- Streamlining team communication
- Driving efficiencies across your business
- Tips for increasing revenue
BeerBoard’s Hard Cider Trends Webinar Recording
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
ACA Annual Membership Meeting – March 29, 2022
The American Cider Association is pleased to invite our members to join us for the Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting will take place Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10:00am Pacific via Zoom.
We will take a look at last year’s accomplishments, review our strategic plan, and let you know what’s in the works for the year ahead. We look forward to virtually seeing all of you and hearing your ideas for how we can promote the US cider industry.
You must be an Active ACA Member to participate in the Annual Membership Meeting. You can log in, join, or renew your membership here.
We will provide you with the Zoom link prior to the beginning of the meeting on March 29, 2022.
Harvest Driven Cider Segment Survey Report Webinar
Join us March 1, 2022 at 12:00pm Pacific for analyses of the harvest driven cider segment of the cider industry. Harvest driven cider makers are defined as those for whom 75% of their annual cider production is are pressed once per year at or close to the date of harvest and are aged for a minimum of three months prior to packaging. Because this segment of the cider industry is often smaller producers who don’t sell in markets captured by Nielsen data or retail data scanner providers like IRI, the American Cider Association decided to launch an annual harvest driven cider survey. This inaugural survey was undertaken by Michael Uhrich of Seventh Point Analytic Consulting. He has taken a deep dive into the data to suss out the current status of the harvest driven cider segment and will present these results with us in this webinar.
This webinar is for ACA members only. You can log in, join, or renew your membership here.
Registration closes February 28, 2022 at 1:00pm Pacific. Information to join via Zoom will be sent after registration closes on February 28, 2022.
Webinar: BeerBoard’s Hard Cider Trends
BeerBoard’s Hard Cider Trends Webinar February 22, 2022
Join Dillon Card and Jim Randall from BeerBoard for the newest on-premise insights for cider with national and regional breakdowns, including competitive style and product performance data. This webinar will take place Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 12:00pm Pacific on Zoom. Zoom link will be provided the day before the webinar.
This webinar is for active ACA members only. Join now or renew your membership!
Webinar: Three-Tier Compliance & Regulatory Concerns for Cideries
Join the American Cider Association for the webinar Three-Tier Compliance & Regulatory Concerns for Cideries on December 9, 2021 at 11:00am Pacific Time. Alex Koral of Sovos ShipCompliant will lead this webinar.
What Will Be Covered In This Webinar?
As they expand, cider producers face a long list of complicated and evolving compliance and regulatory challenges in order for their cider to be distributed and sold in new states. Licensing, state and federal brand registrations, distribution agreements, and required follow-up reports make compliance a time-consuming and expensive process.
This webinar will spotlight the most pressing regulatory issues facing today’s cider producers involved in interstate distribution. Attendees will learn how to effectively, and cost-effectively, navigate regulatory and compliance risks.
- Get ahead of regulatory compliance to avoid delays in bringing new products to market
- Know the regulatory barriers that exist when entering new markets so you can expand your presence with minimal holdup
- Stay up to date on key regulatory issues impacting your business
This webinar is for active ACA members only. You can become a member or renew your membership here!
Our Speaker
Alex Koral, Regulatory General Counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Alex Koral is Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, where he serves as lead legal researcher for beverage alcohol regulation and has become a leading expert on interstate distribution of alcohol. He has spoken on the topic at many industry events including Craft Brewers Conference, Craft Beer Professionals conferences, and meetings of the National Council of State Liquor Administrators and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.
Sept. 1 Webinar: On Premise Bounce Back
After such a challenging year in 2020, the On Premise channel has bounced back much quicker than most anticipated. With sales in many areas above those in 2019, now is the time to understand strategy and tactics in such an important channel.
Matt Crompton from CGA (the On Premise experts) will be on hand to discuss the latest trends, consumer insights and all things bar and restaurant – with one eye, of course, on Cider performance.
Sept. 1 Webinar: On Premise Bounce Back
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
Aug. 19 Webinar: Using Instagram Reels
Instagram recently announced that they are transitioning to a video platform. Learn from marketing expert Michelle Pagano (@TheBrewBabe) on how to increase engagement and viewership through videos on this critical marketing platform with this ACA member mini-webinar.
Aug. 19 Webinar: Using Instagram Reels
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
Aug. 4 Webinar: Direct to Consumer Compliance
Direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of alcohol is on everyone’s minds these days, as consumers and suppliers alike look for better and easier ways to interact.
The success of wineries in growing DtC shipping to a $3.7 billion market is notable. As cider producers look to enter this channel, a solid understanding of DtC shipping laws and tax regulations is critical.
Please join us for a look at how DtC shipping can work for cideries. Topics will include:
- The current state of shipping beverage alcohol direct-to-consumer
- The rules that govern DtC shipping of cider, from licensing requirements to tax remittances and more
- How cider producers can create effective and compliant DtC shipping programs
- Watch-outs and bewares
- The role of industry-level efforts to expand the DtC alcohol shipping opportunity
Aug. 4 Webinar: Direct to Consumer Compliance
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
CCP Level 1 Test Prep Is Going On Demand!
SPONSORS: Thank you to our 2021 CCP presenting sponsor, Petainer, and to our summer training sponsor, Arryved!
We are thrilled to announce that our introductory level Certified Cider Professional program is growing! Starting June 1, we’re launching a new Level 1 certification bundle.
Pricing
The Level 1 bundle is $99 for non-ACA members, $75 for members. The bundle includes:
- Detailed, updated study guide
- On-demand online training webinar (1.5 hours)
- Level 1 exam (2 attempts)
Presale
Between now and June 1st we are offering a 10% off pre-sale price. This special intro price is just $89 for ACA Non-Members and $68 for Members.
Test & Test Prep
The training and exam cover cider-specific facts in these key areas: (1) Apples, the orchard & history (2) Cider making (3) Evaluation (4) Families & Flavor (5) Keeping & serving (6) Food & cider. The closed-book exam has 60 multiple choice questions. The training materials include an updated, detailed study guide and a 1.5 hour webinar. Careful review of the study guide and webinar should prepare you to pass the exam!
Who Should Become a CCP?
First and foremost, if you sell cider, this program is for you. If you write about alcohol or food, this program is for you. If you just really love drinking cider, this program is for you. Maybe you run a beer-focused bottle shop with a cider section and want to learn more about cider? Maybe you hope to prove to your community’s cider drinkers that your shop knows its fermented apples? Maybe you are a sommelier or beverage director and want to be able to chat more about cider with customers? Maybe you are a distributor that wants to better understand the diversity and range of the cider category?
We target the front line of cider sales as our primary audience for CCP, but anybody is welcome to take the test. There is no pre-requisite for the Level 1 exam.
Meet Our New Team Member
We are also excited to announce that Jennie Dorsey has joined ACA as our parttime Cider Education Outreach Manager. Tuesday was her first day, but if you have questions about CCP, please do connect with Jennie!
Join the Education Committee
ACA is actively recruiting applicants interested in joining our volunteer committees, including our Education committee. This committee identifies target audiences for ACA’s cider education programs such as CCP, reviews & helps create ACA educational content, brainstorms strategic new educational programming, steers development of the third level of CCP. Applications are due May 26. Learn more about serving and how to apply here.
Visit our website today to reserve your Level 1 CCP Presale bundle!
Fermentis Webinars for Cidermakers
Fermentis has a free webinar for cidermakers. You can check it out below and find links to register. Each webinar has two sessions, one for commercial cidermakers and one for home cidermakers, however, anyone is welcome to attend either session.
Upcoming Webinars: Coffee Chats with Vinoshipper
The American Cider Association is excited to share two upcoming webinars with Theresa Dorr of Vinoshipper that will be available to their members. Please read below for more information about these webinars and how to register. You must be an active ACA member to register for these events.
Coffee Chat with Vinoshipper: Sales Beyond the Tasting Room: Maximizing Your Online Reach
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
Coffee Chat with VinoShipper: DtC Cider Trends, 2020 + Beyond
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
ACA Annual Membership Meeting
ACA Annual Membership Meeting, March 3, 2021 – 11:00am Pacific Time
Please join the American Cider Association to review last year’s accomplishments, take a look at our new strategic plan, and weigh in on our future activities to support the cider industry.
You must be an Active ACA Member to particpate in the Annual Membership Meeting. You can become a member or update your membership here.
Let Ellen know when your membership is up to date and she will send you the Zoom link!
Four Insightful Webinars Coming Up Soon!
Brought to you by Ciderpros.com
Across stories of business owners’ ambitions and fears, Leadership Coach, Stephanie Hartman, found patterns of common pitfalls emerged at each phase of business maturity. For those who did not get help soon enough, the pitfalls ended their business—or the business survived at the cost of the owner’s health or relationships. Those who took necessary steps, restored balance in their lives and found renewed inspiration. In this presentation, Stephanie will share actionable tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls or escape them if you’re already there.
All CiderCon attendees will be emailed a link to the Zoom meeting prior to the date of the webinar. Didn’t attend CiderCon? ACA members can request a ticket by emailing Michelle.
Brought to you be Ekos
You started your cidery because you love making cider, but no one told you most of your days would be spent behind a computer or in meetings handling the less glamorous aspects of your business. You don’t need an MBA to run a successful cidery, but there are some business basics you need to master, including operations, sales, and accounting. In this webinar, Ekos will provide an overview of what you need to know in each area, advice for how technology can help you be more efficient, and tips for taking your business to the next level.
Certified Pommelier™ Guided Tasting March 4, 2021 – 3:30pm Pacific Time
Brought to you by Arryved
The Certified Pommelier™ exam is a rigorous test of a beverage professional’s cider knowledge, including one’s ability to taste and evaluate an apple-driven cider. This workshop is an opportunity for students to practice using the formulated evaluation schema used in the Certified Pommelier™ tasting exam. Workshop registrants will be sent a link to purchase the cider that the instructors will be evaluating. Purchasing cider is optional.
Instructors: Darlene Hayes & Tim Godfrey
CiderCon Encore: Driving Organizational Change with Stephanie Hartman March 11, 2021 – 9:30am Pacific Time
Brought to you by Ciderpros.com
For your facility move or new software to deliver on the promise of life being better, you’ll likely need some employees, customers or suppliers to stop doing something and start doing something else. In this presentation, Leadership Coach, Stephanie Hartman, will share a blend of academic theory and practical tools for addressing the tactical and emotional aspects of organizational change.
The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to all CiderCon attendees prior to the date of the course. Didn’t attend CiderCon? ACA members can request a ticket by emailing Michelle.
Three February 2021 Webinars
CiderCon Encore: Driving Organizational Change
February 11, 2021 – 9:30 am Pacific Time
Likely, you checked the Math to make sure your facility move, new software system, or acquisition was going to make or save your business money. Organizational changes can look good on paper but fail to deliver on the promise of increased profits or savings if the people impacts aren’t considered and managed. For your initiative to work, you’ll likely need some combination of employees, customers and suppliers to stop doing something and start doing something else. In this presentation by Stephanie Hartman of Catalyst Consulting, you will get a blend of academic theory and practical tools for addressing the tactical and emotional aspects of organizational change.
The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to all CiderCon attendees prior to the date of the course. Brought to you by CiderPros.com
CiderCon Encore: Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Business Maturity
February 18, 2021 – 9:30 am Pacific Time
Working with small business owners across many industries, Stephanie Hartman of Catalyst Consulting learned about their ambitions and the fears at the root of their missteps. Through these stories, she began to recognize common pitfalls at each phase of business maturity. For those who did not get help soon enough, the pitfalls either ended their business, or the business survived at the cost of the owner’s well-being or important relationships. Those who took necessary steps, restored balance in their lives and found new inspiration. Business thriving requires courage to look honestly at your contribution to the chaos and make tough decisions, about processes, people, and more. In this presentation, you will learn actionable tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls or escape them if you’re already there, giving you confidence about your next steps.
The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to all CiderCon attendees prior to the date of the course. Brought to you by CiderPros.com
Cider Business School: A Crash Course in Running Your Cidery as a Business
February 24, 2021 – 11:00am Pacific Time
You started your cidery because you love making cider, but no one told you most of your days would be spent behind a computer or in meetings handling the less glamorous aspects of your business. You don’t need an MBA to run a successful cidery, but there are some business basics you need to master, including operations, sales, and accounting. In this webinar, Ekos will provide an overview of what you need to know in each area, advice for how technology can help you be more efficient, and tips for taking your business to the next level.
Register HERE!
Certified Pommelier Exam Prep Workshops Now Available!
We are bringing you two online Certified Pommelier™ cider evaluation workshops. The Certified Pommelier™ exam is a rigorous test of a beverage professional’s cider knowledge, including one’s ability to taste and evaluate an apple-driven cider. These workshops are an opportunity for students to practice using the formulated evaluation schema used in the tasting exam. The cost for each of these workshops is $35 for non-ACA members and $15 for members. The instructors will be teaching using a live evaluation of three featured ciders.
Certified Pommelier™ Guided Tasting – January 20, 2021 – $35 non-members, $15 members
The first workshop on January 20, 2021 will feature the Rare Apples Series: Variety 4-pack from Stormalong Cider. Registered students will be sent information on how to purchase those ciders. Cider purchases are entirely optional and are limited to states with amenable shipping laws. You can review the states that Stormalong can ship to here. The workshop will be led by Jenny Dorsey and Brian Rutzen. This workshop can be purchased here. *The deadline to purchase cider for this workshop on 1/20 has passed, but the workshop will be available on-demand and may be viewed at any time.
The second workshop will feature different ciders from three different producers (TBD). That workshop is tentatively scheduled for February 17, 2021. The workshop will be led by Darlene Hayes and Tim Godfrey. Purchase this workshop here.
Economics and Demographics of the Alcohol Consumer (webinar recording)
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.
8/25/20 Webinar Recording: State of Direct to Consumer-the Wine Perspective
This content is for members only.
If you were a member and are now seeing this message, please Renew your membership to continue.